Task 2: Essay Fundamentals
Master opinion, discussion, and problem-solution essays for IELTS Task 2
Who it's for
Written for B1 (intermediate) students who handle everyday English and are ready for longer answers.
IELTS Speaking and Writing preparation, for band 5 and up. More IELTS Test Preparation lesson plans
Skills it practises
- Speaking: discussion questionsevery lesson
- Vocabulary: a target word listevery lesson
- Reading: a text or news storyevery lesson
- Controlled practice: gap-fills, matching, sorting and more7 of 8 lessons
- An answer framework to structure what they say5 of 8 lessons
- Role-play: a dialogue to act out2 of 8 lessons
Lessons
- Understanding Task 2Goal: understand exactly what Task 2 asks for and what the examiner rewards — anchored by your first complete Band 7 model essay.49 minFree
- Opinion EssaysGoal: write an agree/disagree essay with a position the examiner can see in every paragraph — blueprint, Band 7 model, and live writing practice.1 hr 3 minOutline
- Discussion EssaysGoal: write a balanced discuss-both-views essay — each side argued at full strength, your opinion still unmistakable.1 hr 3 minOutline
- Problem-Solution EssaysGoal: write a problem–solution essay where every solution visibly answers a named cause — matched pairs, developed ideas, Band 7 model included.1 hr 3 minOutline
- Two-Part QuestionsGoal: answer both parts of a two-part question fully — equal paragraphs, clear signposting, and a Band 7 model showing the handover.56 minOutline
- Introductions & ConclusionsGoal: write introductions that paraphrase and take a position in two sentences, and conclusions that restate them in fresh words — with model pairs for all three essay types.50 minOutline
- Problem-Solution Essays (Advanced)Goal: write advanced problem–solution essays that trace root causes through cause-effect chains and evaluate every solution — planned in dialogue, finished as a Band 7 model.1 hr 14 minOutline
- Practice: Timed Essay WritingGoal: write a complete Band 7-style essay inside 40 minutes — the clock plan, a Band 6 vs Band 7 contrast of the same essay, and a fully timed mission.1 hr 14 minOutline
How to use it in a lesson
- Lessons run 49 to 74 minutes, with a timing on every stage, so you can see before you start what fits your slot.
- Start with "Understanding Task 2": its whole plan is on this site, stage by stage, with the target vocabulary, free to read and to teach from on any video call.
- For a shorter slot, skip a practice stage or cut the discussion short: the stages are a guide, not a script.
Teach Task 2: Essay Fundamentals with your student
Lesson 1 of this course is free. A free account opens it in the interactive player, and the rest of the course is included with Starter. Teaching it live with your student in the Tuton classroom starts with a 7-day free trial.
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